> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://wiki.crosswatch.app/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://wiki.crosswatch.app/crosswatch/configure-pairs/anilist-pair-options.md).

# AniList pair options

AniList pairs can show extra options on **Watchlist** and **Ratings**.

Use these options when **AniList** appears on either side of the pair.

### AniList pair options

These options appear on **Watchlist** and **Ratings** when the pair contains **AniList**.

Each feature has its own settings.

Enabling mapping for **Watchlist** does not enable it for **Ratings**.

#### Use Anime ID Mapping

Anime services and general media services often use different IDs for the same title.

AniList mainly uses **AniList** and **MAL** IDs.

Plex, Jellyfin, Emby, and other providers often expose **TMDb**, **TVDb**, or **IMDb** IDs.

**Use Anime ID Mapping** enriches items before CrossWatch compares or writes them.

It can add:

* **AniList**
* **MAL**
* **AniDB**
* **TMDb**
* **TVDb**
* **IMDb**

This helps in both directions.

* **Plex → AniList**: CrossWatch can resolve AniList IDs before writes.
* **AniList → Plex**: CrossWatch can resolve media-server IDs before compares and writes.

Enabling this option can also enable the global Anime ID Mapping service when needed.

Disabling it for one feature disables it only for that feature on that pair.

Guide: [Anime ID Mapping](/crosswatch/providers/metadata-id-mapping/anime-id-mapping.md)

#### How resolution works

Before CrossWatch compares or writes an item, it reads the IDs supplied by the source provider.

CrossWatch then queries the local AniBridge mapping database and adds any related IDs it can find.

When CrossWatch writes to AniList, it uses this order:

1. Existing or mapped **AniList** ID
2. Existing or mapped **MAL** ID, resolved through AniList
3. AniList title search

Title search is used only when **Anime-only sync** is off.

#### Anime-only sync

**Anime-only sync** limits what CrossWatch can write to AniList.

When enabled, CrossWatch accepts only items with a usable **AniList** or **MAL** ID after enrichment.

Items that would need title search are skipped.

Use it when AniList can receive data.

* **One-way** with AniList as **Target**
* **Two-way** pairs

It is not needed for **one-way** pairs from AniList.

When **Use Anime ID Mapping** is on and AniList can receive data, **Anime-only sync** is on by default for new pairs.

Disabling **Use Anime ID Mapping** also disables **Anime-only sync**.

#### Option combinations

* **Mapping off**: CrossWatch uses IDs already on the source. Title search can still run.
* **Mapping on, Anime-only off**: CrossWatch enriches IDs first. Title search can still run.
* **Mapping on, Anime-only on**: CrossWatch enriches IDs first. Items without AniList or MAL IDs are skipped.

#### Local mapping database

CrossWatch downloads the AniBridge dataset and builds a local SQLite index.

Normal sync lookups run locally.

CrossWatch does not contact AniBridge for every item.

Files are stored under:

`/config/.cw_cache/anime_mapping/anibridge/v3/`

Automatic updates are on by default.

CrossWatch checks for updates every `24` hours.

#### Limitations

Anime ID Mapping improves matching.

It does not guarantee coverage for every anime title, edition, or regional variant.

It also does not rename titles or change metadata in your media library.

{% hint style="warning" %}
Current behavior: if the local mapping database is unavailable, CrossWatch logs a warning and falls back to normal resolution.

That means **Anime-only sync** is not enforced during that fallback.
{% endhint %}

### Feature-specific behavior

* **Watchlist**: resolved items go to AniList **Planning**. See [Watchlist](/crosswatch/configure-pairs/features/watchlist.md).
* **Ratings**: the same resolution flow applies to rating writes and clears. See [Ratings](/crosswatch/configure-pairs/features/ratings.md).

### Related

* Pair setup overview: [Configure Pairs](/crosswatch/configure-pairs.md)
* Global mapping service: [Anime ID Mapping](/crosswatch/providers/metadata-id-mapping/anime-id-mapping.md)


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